Hell on Wheels

After all five seasons, I can say that I was very satisfied. I am always pleased when someone can handle a western well. I was thrilled that the creators chose a Confederate Army veteran as the protagonist. Unlike other people, I don't think the American Civil War broke out in order to put an end to slavery (the difference between a cause and a pretext is often significant). I enjoyed how the motif of revenge gradually transformed into an obsession with the railway. I enjoyed the gradual development of individual characters, and I think that Colm Meaney was a great choice for the character of Thomas Durant. Great satisfaction on my part. 4*+ (2018-12-06)

The whole season had great period atmosphere from start to finish, a lot of realistic shots (I must say again how glad I am that the screen doesn’t transmit odors), an interesting cast, well-written characters and a successful plot (the railway construction went well together with revenge). The season had some downright perfect episodes, as well as slightly weaker ones, but none of them bad, the difference was mostly in the amount of action. (2018-11-24)

A friend recommended this show to me, and all I knew was that it was a western. I love a good western, so I decided to give it a shot. The pilot episode grabbed me right away with its action-packed scenes and excellent period atmosphere. I could even root for the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers. Overall, I had a great time. (2018-11-22)

A bit weaker compared to the pilot. The most interesting character spent most of the time on a chain, but I did enjoy meeting Thor Gundersen, Durant’s head of security. Despite being Norwegian, they call him "the Swede," and he’s quite the romantic and an extremely empathetic guy. (2018-11-22)

The episode picked up the pace and kept me entertained from start to finish without any dull moments. The creators brought back the action, which, combined with the great atmosphere and smooth storytelling, worked perfectly. (2018-11-22)

This episode didn’t have the same pace as the previous ones. If this pattern continues, the odd-numbered episodes might be better than the even ones. Still, even the "weaker" episodes are really good and highly entertaining. (2018-11-22)

Another episode that lacked action (and no, I don’t count the boxing match). What entertained me the most was the "head of security" and his crackdown on the freeloaders. (2018-11-23)

While it wasn’t action-packed, the conversations were highly entertaining. The negotiations between the Cheyenne and the senator were perfect, and the explanation of the immaculate conception was a highlight. This episode definitely earned its five stars. (2018-11-23)

The action was top-notch (finally), and the dialogues were just as good. The creators really went all out this time — there was no way not to enjoy the action scenes. Plus, Lily at the Bell house and Durant with Crane were great bonus moments. (2018-11-23)

Even though the creators held back on the action this time, I didn't feel the need to hold back on the stars. Too bad Cullen didn’t have a star on his buckle; there'd be a lot of majors! Yes, after all these years, it’s the funny moments from the army that stick with you. The punitive expedition's progress and Lily adapting to camp life were thoroughly entertaining. (2018-11-23)

I was really pleased with this episode, even though the fight with the Cheyenne was bound to end poorly for the side I was rooting for. Once again, I enjoyed the period atmosphere, well-executed action, interesting side storylines, and character development. The pastor and the McGinnis brothers' transition to porn were two things that stood out to me. (2018-11-24)

Not bad, but I expected more from the final episode of a really strong first season. Cullen's story about losing his family is important, but I didn’t need to hear it five times and see it once more. My memory isn’t that bad. The episode also lacked significant action, so I couldn't give it five stars. (2018-11-24)

Season 2 gets five stars from me, too, although I consider its plot to be slightly weaker than the first season. What needs no criticism is the atmosphere that works perfectly from the pilot episode to the closing credits of the season finale. Some episodes could have done with a bigger dose of action or intrigue for my complete satisfaction, but despite these minor issues, I have been greatly entertained so far. I hope it will stay that way in the next season. (2018-11-26)

Not the best I’ve seen in the series. The storyline with the outlaws didn’t grab me, and the events in Hell on Wheels were far more interesting. Overall, it wasn’t bad, but it felt like the plot was missing some punch. (2018-11-24)

The second season feels weaker than the first so far. The atmosphere is still spot-on, but the plot and action haven't matched the events of the first season yet. I’m hopeful for a turnaround, especially with Cullen's return to the camp. (2018-11-24)

Finally, the third episode brought the story back to the mobile camp, and things got interesting again. Although there wasn't any wild action, it didn't matter because Gundersen's scheming and the classic Irish-German dynamics kept me entertained. (2018-11-25)

After the previous episode's high, the series returned to its average pace with this one. But, to be fair, even an average episode of this show is still pretty great. I just wish the creators would add a little extra to the story to make it truly satisfying. The episode’s opening promised a wilder ride, but it didn't quite deliver. (2018-11-25)

Along with the show's usual great atmosphere, we finally got the action I've been waiting for all season. Add in a healthy dose of intrigue and manipulation, and I have to say, this was the best episode of the second season so far. (2018-11-25)

I wasn't disappointed at all. The creators once again nailed the atmosphere, and the events surrounding Durant's departure to Chicago were filled with tension. Overall, I found it highly entertaining. (2018-11-25)

The story slowed down again, focusing more on minor, domestic issues. This time, the missing action wasn’t compensated by any substantial intrigue. I'm not saying it was a boring episode, but I know the creators can do better. (2018-11-26)